Healthy Caprese Skewers
These no-cook Caprese Skewers combine juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil in a simple, elegant appetizer. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a delicious, healthy, low-carb snack or party treat. Quick to assemble and easy to customize, they’re perfect for everyday meals, entertaining, or meal prep.
Equipment
- 10 small skewers or toothpicks
- 1 platter or serving tray
- Measuring spoons (1 Tbsp)
Ingredients
- 20 cherry or grape tomatoes rinsed and patted dry
- 20 fresh basil leaves rinsed and patted dry
- 20 mozzarella pearls or small diced fresh mozzarella patted dry
- 1 Tbsp balsamic glaze for drizzling
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Coarse sea salt or kosher salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes Carefully: Begin by selecting fresh, ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues. Pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential because water can cause the balsamic glaze to slide off and may wilt the basil later.
- Prep Fresh Basil Leaves: Take your fresh basil leaves and rinse them gently under cold water. Shake off the excess water and lay them flat on a paper towel to dry. If your basil leaves are large, fold them in half or into smaller sections so they fit neatly on your skewers. Keeping the leaves dry ensures that they stay vibrant and don’t release excess moisture onto the cheese or tomatoes.
- Ready the Mozzarella: Use either mozzarella pearls or small cubes of fresh mozzarella. Pat them dry carefully with a paper towel to remove any liquid. Moisture on the cheese can cause the skewers to become soggy and prevent the flavors from blending perfectly. Dry cheese also helps the balsamic glaze and olive oil cling better when drizzled over the finished skewers.
- Assemble Skewers Step by Step: Take a small skewer or toothpick and start layering your ingredients. Begin with a cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, then a mozzarella pearl. Repeat this pattern until your skewer contains 2 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 2 mozzarella pieces. Ensure the ingredients are snug but not squashed, keeping the skewers visually appealing and easy to pick up. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients until all skewers are assembled.
- Arrange Skewers on a Platter: Choose a flat serving platter or tray and lay your skewers in a single layer. Avoid stacking them on top of each other, as this can bruise the tomatoes and basil. Arranging them neatly not only looks inviting but also makes it easier for guests to grab and enjoy. If preparing ahead, cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours, leaving off the dressing until ready to serve.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle each skewer lightly with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. Pour slowly and evenly to coat all ingredients without overwhelming them. This step enhances both the flavor and visual appeal of the skewers, giving them a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
- Season to Taste: Finish by sprinkling a pinch of coarse sea salt or kosher salt over the skewers. Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, balancing the acidity of the balsamic and the richness of the cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and watch your guests enjoy these fresh, vibrant Caprese Skewers. They are perfect as a healthy appetizer, party snack, or light meal accompaniment. If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving the next day to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Always pat your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil completely dry before assembling. Excess moisture can make the skewers soggy and prevent the balsamic glaze from sticking properly.
- When folding larger basil leaves, ensure they maintain their shape and don’t tear, as this keeps the skewers visually appealing.
- Assemble skewers just before serving if possible. If prepping ahead, leave off the dressing and seasoning until the last minute to preserve freshness and flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Juicy, ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella elevate the flavor significantly compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- For bite-sized portions, keep the skewers small and manageable, making them perfect for appetizers, parties, or light snacks.
